Well, I’m about to turn my attention from being cold, to being very wet. I received a request from a member and artist who was looking for a tutorial on "how to draw dolphins", step by step. I’m not talking about just a regular tutorial on a dolphin, I’m talking about an in depth tutorial that shows you the bone structure, the inside skeleton of this aquatic animal, and how the body parts of the dolphin should be drawn. Like the bears lesson, I wanted to create a detailed tutorial on this animal from the ocean. Dolphins are loved by children and parents alike and with good cause too. Dolphins are one of the only species of animals that has a very docile nature. They are not known to be aggressive unless they feel threatened, and they are also incredibly beautiful. These animals can be found around the world, and there are also several different species of dolphin in existence. Instead of there only being eight different types like the bear, there are actually thirty two different species of dolphin. What are the thirty two types you ask? Let’s have a look see; first off there is the most recognized of all, the bottlenose dolphin, then there is the orca which is believed to be a whale but it isn’t at all, there’s the common dolphin, the false killer whale, short finned pilot whale, humpbacked dolphin, indo pacific humpbacked dolphin, southern right whale dolphin, Commerson’s dolphin, melon headed whale, the spotted dolphin, the spinner dolphin, tucuxi, northern right dolphin, pygmy killer whale, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, the hourglass dolphin, and there is a few more but I’m not sure of their names. Anyways, this tutorial is going to show you in complete detail, "how to draw dolphins", step by step. Be sure to have fun with this educational lesson, and also make sure you take your time as you go through the steps, tips, and diagrams. Peace out people, and don’t swim too far out to sea.

How to Draw Dolphins

STEP 1.

When drawing dolphins, you'll need to familiarize yourself with 'the line of motion' the creature is depicted in. Dolphins have very slim and flowy bodies, so it's best to have seamless and slim poses. A 'line of motion' for a dolphin is particularly one curved line. Practice by drawing the 'line of motion' first and then add bulk shapes that create the foundation of the body.

STEP 2.

It's best to get a grasping look at the skeletal base of the body. 1. Is the skull of the dolphin. 2. The large spine that fades off into the fluke fins. The dorsal and fluke fins are made of 'cartilage', just like ears on a human. 3. Here's a close in depth view of the flippers. Flippers, behind the flesh, actually have five fingers, like humans! They're seemingly stubby ones but they very much resemble bat wings.

STEP 3.

Dolphins have a jaw that is larger than the upper jaw. This is called an 'under bite' mouth. The mouth lining of the dolphin curves into an almost smile and ends with a downward line.

STEP 4.

The dorsal fin of a dolphin is aligned behind the flippers. Never place the dorsal fin right above the blow hole.

STEP 5.

It's good to familiarize yourself with the basic anatomy so you know what exactly you're drawing. 1. Are two flippers. 2. Beak or snout. 3. The 'melon'. 4. Blowhole. 5. Dorsal fin 6. Tail 7. Two flukes.

STEP 6.

You will be drawing two different types of poses for your dolphin. Of you want to draw just one, that is totally up to you. Start by drawing two odd looking shapes that will make up the dolphins body.

STEP 7.

Now you will carefully draw out the actual shapes of the dolphins like you see here, and notice that the snouts or beaks are also drawn in. Once you are done, draw the tail fin for the dolphin on the bottom.

STEP 8.

Well guys, this is your last drawing step. Here all you have to do is draw out all the fins, and then color in the eyes, and add a blow hole for each dolphin. erase the lines and shapes you drew in step one to clean up the drawing.

STEP 9.

This is how they look when they are all done, color them in and you are all done. Great work guys!

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